«I am here today, because it’s a critical time, when each of the citizens of the United States must decide who we are and what ideals are protected. I’m here as an American, not as a former President, and want to convey a simple message. All of you should vote, because it affects the fate of our democracy.»
On Friday, September 7, during the time devoted to the November elections speech at the University of Illinois, former President Barack Obama referred to Donald trump for the first time since he left the White house — criticizing the current American leader and his political course.
The former head of the United States admitted that they had originally planned to follow the tradition followed by many of his predecessors, to leave the political scene «to make room for new voices and ideas.» Now, however, Obama added, «the stakes are much higher», and «one need only look at recent headlines» to know for sure.
«Every time we move forward, someone is pushing us back, keeps the status quo. Sometimes it’s people who are just mistaken in your fear of change, — told ex-the President. But more often the reason is people in authority and wishing that we were angry and fought with each other. <…> So they keep the status quo, their power and privileges.»
«It did not begin with Donald trump. It is a symptom, not a cause. He is only fueling even more resentment, nurtured others, playing on anger and fear, as rooted in our past and originate in changes of recent years».
Speaking about the policy of the incumbent in relation to the media and its alleged pressure on the FBI, Department of justice and attorney General and Roman sessions, Obama said that such actions — a problem that goes beyond one party and require joint solutions.
«We are Americans, — he stressed. We must confront the bullies, and not to follow them.»
«We must resist discrimination and certainly needs to give a firm rebuff to those who supported the Nazis. How difficult to say that Nazism is bad?»
(The first statement of trump after the tragedy in Charlottesville, in which he did not openly condemn white supremacists).
«What’s wrong with the Republican party?»
According to the former American leader, in recent years, Republicans have engaged in «the politics of division, resentment and paranoia», has changed beyond recognition. Conservative, ex-President, the party has become «radical» only caring «about his government and those who support it — even if it harms the country.»
Obama commented on the controversial column, published this week in the New York Times that the White house has a «resistance» deterrent «worst impulses» of President trump.
«To say that everything will be fine, because the administration has employees who are secretly following the orders of the President, — wrong, — said the former President. — <…> Our democracy should not work. Nobody elected these people, it is not their area of responsibility.»
«They are not doing us a favor, actively supporting 90% of the crazy ideas of the current leadership, and then say: «don’t worry, we don’t give the course the rest 10%»».
«You can’t just sit and wait for rescue»
Despite the criticism of President trump, the former head of the United States does not consider it a major problem — as well as the Republican party.
«The main threat to our democracy is ignorance, — he reminded. — The main threat to our democracy is cynicism. Cynicism has forced too many people to give up politics and stay home on election day».
«You can’t just sit and wait for rescue. You just can’t refuse [to do], because you are not inspiring or that candidate. It’s not a concert and not Coachella. We don’t need a Messiah. We need decent, honest, tenacious people willing to be responsible and above all caring about what is best for America.»
The former President concluded his speech by Recalling that the United States «had experienced much worse times than these», thanks to generations of Americans, again and again «fought for progress.»
«If you are going to struggle to knock at the wrong doors, talking with friends, arguing with your family members, to change someone’s opinion and vote, there will be something enormous. There will be changes. And there will be hope.»
This Saturday, Obama will participate in the rally in Irvine (California) — in support of seven Democrats participating in the November elections, and then travel to Cleveland, where he will speak in the framework of several campaigns. A former President of the United States plans to take an active part in the election campaign of his party throughout the autumn.
